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About Ascent Ai

AI is new, but Ascent Ai has been helping dentists grow their practices for nearly 20 years.

When decades of proven dental marketing expertise combine with civilization-shifting AI technology, the result is the perfect formula to change the dental industry forever.

Our Vision

Ascent Ai transforms complex marketing and performance data into clear, actionable insights—enabling genuine agentic AI marketing. Rooted in decades of proven expertise, our autonomous intelligent systems empower dental practices with an unfair advantage and will forever redefine online visibility in dentistry.

Key People

A Team with 259 Years of Relevant Experience.

Douglas Sligting

President and CEO

Douglas Sligting

With over 30 years of marketing experience—including 20 years dedicated to dental marketing—Doug offers deep expertise in patient acquisition strategies. He leads Ascent AI's online marketing initiatives, continuously refining processes while driving the company's core vision.

Development team

Harrison Sligting

Developer Lead

Harrison Sligting

Harrison joined Ascent AI in 2018 and has significantly influenced its strategic and technical direction. His analytical expertise enables the pursuit of optimal outcomes, supported by extensive development experience and millions of lines of code written.

Canon Law

Developer Lead

Canon Law

Canon has been with Ascent AI since 2019, contributing exceptional skill in software development and AI integration. His ability to analyze and solve complex algorithmic and data challenges helps the team advance technical capabilities effectively.

Bryan Sheranian

Developer

Bryan Sheranian

Bryan is a key member of Ascent AI's development team. He rapidly masters critical applications, resolves issues efficiently, eliminates bugs, and identifies opportunities—ensuring reliable, high-performing systems.

AI Stewards

Scott Sligting

Patient Acquisition Specialist

Scott Sligting

Scott brings more than 30 years of design and marketing experience, with 20 years focused on dental practices. He excels at maximizing patient acquisition per client by integrating marketing channels, fostering innovation, and ensuring seamless product interoperability.

Christopher Ulm

Search Optimization Specialist

Christopher Ulm

Christopher has overseen online visibility at Ascent AI for 8 years, with 35 years total in search optimization. He develops advanced strategies—including AI-enhanced approaches—to secure and sustain top search rankings for clients.

Amber Clayson

Local Search Specialist

Amber Clayson

Amber brings 8 years of search engine optimization experience to Ascent AI, with a focus on local search strategies. Her precision in the details that drive rankings helps dental practices achieve and maintain top positions in local results.

Jon Deem

Website Specialist

Jon Deem

Jon has contributed to Ascent AI for over 14 years through website development. He builds high-performance marketing websites that consistently excel in Google's Core Web Vitals, strengthening clients' online visibility and competitiveness.

New Business

Mike Samuelian

Strategic Partnerships

Mike Samuelian

Mike brings 40 years of software and technology experience, including the last 6 years with Ascent AI. He specializes in forging strategic alliances, leading sales teams, and assisting private equity firms in entering high-tech sectors—positioning Ascent AI for continued growth.

Mike Sieber

Client Acquisition

Mike Sieber

Mike has been with Ascent AI for over 13 years and expertly leads new clients through the consultation process. With thorough knowledge of Ascent AI's solutions and their benefits for dental practices, he helps prospects make informed marketing decisions.

Client Relations

David Nelson

Client Relations Lead

David Nelson

David has over 30 years in branding and marketing, including 20 years specializing in dental marketing. He prioritizes exceptional client care and builds long-term, synergistic partnerships—driving Ascent AI's consistently strong client retention.

Andrea Moyer

Client Relations

Andrea Moyer

With over 10 years dedicated to cultivating relationships, Andrea focuses on fostering long-term client partnerships at Ascent AI. She helps clients accurately interpret marketing data, enabling confident, evidence-based decisions for sustained practice growth.

Operations

Bruce Bauer

Operations Lead

Bruce Bauer

Bruce has been with Ascent AI since its founding 20 years ago and possesses comprehensive knowledge of the company's operations. He maintains alignment across clients, departments, and processes, providing clear guidance and operational stability.

Madelyn Radeke

Client Integrations

Madelyn Radeke

Madelyn has supported Ascent AI for over 12 years, specializing in smooth transitions from other marketing providers. Her deep expertise in domain transfers, integrations, and onboarding ensures clients transition efficiently and with confidence.

Our History

2007

Working in Dental

Clover Brand Strategies agrees with Henry Schein Business Solutions to build websites for dentists. Volume quickly dominates our business (build only, no account management).

2008

Expanded Relationships with Dentists

Henry Schein exits the website business. Clover takes over full account management with their approval, securing our future.

2009

Dental Branding

Recognizing the dental industry's lack of strategic branding and marketing, we expand beyond websites into comprehensive strategy and branding. Name changes to Dental Branding. Official partnership shifts to Henry Schein Dental.

2009 - 2015

The Growth Years

Exclusive relationship with Henry Schein Dental. Deep industry immersion: thousands of in-person practice visits, co-travel with sales reps, regional presentations. Mastered both marketing and the business of dentistry.

2015 - 2017

Ascent Practice Growth Strategy

Become a founding member of Henry Schein's Business Solutions group (comprehensive practice solutions). Expand into online visibility, advanced reporting, and technology. Name evolves to Ascent Practice Growth Strategy (Ascent).

2018

Transition

Henry Schein acquires Internet Brands → company-wide audit ends overlapping solutions. Ascent ends exclusive relationship with Henry Schein after nearly 10 years and shifts to independent growth.

2019

Technology Investments

Build new lead-generation channels. Heavy investment in technology → launch precise, results-driven reporting that enables better decisions.

2020

Pay for Performance

COVID slows new client growth but accelerates innovation. Accurate patient attribution and revenue tracking give birth to our pay-for-performance model.

2021 - 2024

Perfecting the Model

Refine pay-per-patient model through intense learning and iteration. Triple technology investment. Become as much a tech company as a marketing company. Early AI integration begins.

2025

Agentic AI Integration

AI matures rapidly. Full AI integration across operations. Birth of true agentic AI marketing. Entire technology roadmap aligned to this vision.

2026

Ascent Ai

Rebrand as Ascent AI. Vision: permanently transform dental marketing through autonomous, results-obsessed agentic AI.

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